Page:Gummere (1909) The Oldest English Epic.djvu/186

170 weapon of war; his words he uttered: “Lo, great was thy faith, Burgundians’-friend, that Hagen’s hand would hold me to warfare, unfit me for fighting! Now fetch, if thou darest, from so battle-worn man this breastplate gray! Here it stands on my shoulders, splendid with gold, Ælfhere’s heirloom, amply studded, no evil armor for atheling’s wear if only with hands he can heart and life guard from his foes. It fails me never when cruel unkindred crowd upon me, beset me with swords, as ye sought me here! Yet One Only availeth the victory to give, ready to aid whatever is right! Whoso hopes for help from the Holy One, Grace of God, will get it surely, if his ways have earlier earned him that. Then haughty heroes may have their reward, and wield their wealth. . ..